Campaign
Empowering South Africa’s Youth
Campaign to Combat Unemployment
The Crisis of Youth Unemployment in South Africa
South Africa faces a staggering unemployment crisis, particularly among its youth. According to Statistics South Africa, the youth unemployment rate (ages 15–34) reached 46.7% in the first quarter of 2025, compared to the national unemployment rate of 32.9%. For young people aged 15–24, the situation is even more dire, with an unemployment rate of 64.5%. Approximately 3.9 million young South Africans aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), representing 37.2% of this age group. These statistics highlight a structural issue where young people, despite their potential, are excluded from economic opportunities due to a lack of experience, skills mismatch, and systemic barriers.
Unemployment doesn’t just affect individuals—it ripples through families and communities. The average South African household requires approximately R7,000–R10,000 per month to meet basic needs, including food, housing, and utilities, according to household expenditure surveys. With the national minimum wage set at R28.79 per hour(approximately R4,992 per month for a 40-hour workweek, effective March 2025), many households struggle to survive. For unemployed youth, the inability to contribute to this income exacerbates poverty, with 74% of Youth Employment Service (YES) participants coming from households reliant on social grants and 78% supporting dependents.
The Social and Economic Toll of Unemployment
Unemployment strips away dignity and hope, leaving young people vulnerable to social ills. Studies link long-term unemployment to increased risks of alcohol and drug abuse, with unemployed youth being twice as likely to engage in substance abuse due to stress, despair, and idle time. This not only harms individuals but also strains communities, contributing to crime and social instability. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) notes that prolonged unemployment erodes skills, reduces earnings potential, and can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, further entrenching poverty.
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Beyond immediate effects, unemployment robs South Africa of its future leaders. Young people are the backbone of innovation and economic growth, yet millions are sidelined, unable to develop their potential. Without intervention, this lost generation risks perpetuating a cycle of poverty and exclusion, undermining the nation’s long-term prosperity.
Our Campaign: Placing 300 Youth in Meaningful Employment
Our campaign aims to address this crisis by leveraging the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)framework to place at least 300 young South Africans in meaningful employment opportunities. The B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice offer two strategic avenues for companies to drive youth inclusion:
- Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme: This initiative encourages businesses to provide 12-month work experiences for unemployed youth, offering up to two levels of B-BBEE scorecard enhancement. YES has already created over 169,700 jobs, injecting R9.6 billion into the economy through youth salaries.
- Skills Development Scorecard: Through learnerships, graduate programs, and internships, companies can invest in accredited and non-accredited training, earning points while equipping youth with market-relevant skills.
Despite these opportunities, many companies struggle to implement these programs effectively or fail to maximize their impact. Our campaign addresses this gap by guiding businesses to create sustainable, impactful youth employment initiatives that align with B-BBEE targets.
The Transformative Power of Employment
Employment restores dignity and empowers individuals to shape their futures. A young person earning a stipend of R5,000 per month—barely enough to cover household needs—gains more than income. They acquire work experience, soft skills (like time management and communication), and a credible CV, significantly boosting their employability. For example, 40% of YES participants secure permanent employment upon program completion, with some transitioning to roles in multinational firms.
This income also supports families, reducing reliance on social grants and breaking the poverty cycle. A single salary can feed a family, fund education, and foster hope across generations. Moreover, employed youth are less likely to turn to crime or substance abuse, contributing to safer, more stable communities.